Michael Roach formally sworn in as County Judge

Stephens County’s new County Judge, Michael Roach, was formally sworn in by 90th Judicial District Judge Stephen Bristow on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. The ceremony took place in the District Court Room in the Stephens County Courthouse before a crowd of friends, family and county and city officials.

With his wife, Cori, by his side, Roach, who officially became the County Judge at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of the State of Texas.

Following the ceremony, Roach spoke to those gathered in the courtroom. “I want to first give honor to the Lord … I’m also thankful for my sweet wife. As you know, when you serve in public, not only do you serve, but your family serves. And, so I appreciate her and also my boys,” he said.

The new county judge also spoke about his parents, W.C. and Francis Roach, who moved to Breckenridge in the 1980s. “They painted a picture for my family and I of what ‘service’ is,” he said. “It is an honor to serve Stephens County. … I will do my best every day to honor the Lord, honor my family and do the best for the taxpayers of Stephens County.”

Roach was the Stephens County Justice of the Peace for the past four years. He ran for the office of County Judge after long-time Judge Gary Fuller announced his retirement, which became effective at the end of 2018.

New Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, center, talks to the crowd gathered in the Stephens County Courthouse’s District Court Room following his formal swearing-in ceremony Thursday morning, Jan. 10. He officially took over the duties of County Judge on Jan. 1.(Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

Cutline, top photo: District Judge Stephen Bristow, left, swears in Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, center, in a formal ceremony Thursday morning, Jan. 10. Roach was joined in the ceremony by his wife, Cori. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)